Christopher Bailey unveils his final
collection for Burberry at London Fashion Week starting on Friday -- a
turning
point for the British luxury brand which gained a global reputation under
the
designer's tenure.

Burberry's star-studded show on Saturday will be one of the most
high-profile events at Fashion Week, which runs from Friday to Tuesday.
After 17 years, Bailey will say farewell with a final overhaul of the
fashion house's signature beige, black and red check pattern.
Drawing inspiration from the internationally recognised gay pride flag, a
new rainbow check will feature heavily in London as the 46-year-old Bailey
dedicates Saturday's show to gay rights campaigns and models.
"There has never been a more important time to say that in our diversity
lies our strength, and our creativity," said Bailey, who was the first
openly
gay head of a company on London's benchmark FTSE 100 index when he was named
chief executive in 2014.

The appointment saw him replace Angela Ahrendts, who moved to Apple,
and
came a decade after Bailey joined Burberry as creative director.
He has since propelled Burberry into the 21st century, incorporating new
technologies such as social media into his shows.
Twice named Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards, he has
also
combined men's and women's collections and adopted the "see now, buy now"
model becoming popular among high-end fashion brands.
He has also attracted some of the world's most famous muses, including
Kate
Moss, Emma Watson and Cara Delevingne.

An 'incredible' designer

His last catwalk for Burberry will be a testament to years spent
experimenting with different colour palettes and materials, during which he
reinvented Burberry's signature trench coat with a touch of lace.
"Under his watch, a company formerly known as little more than an
unexciting British producer of raincoats and checked scarves has exploded
into
the vast empire it is today," said British Vogue.
The designer, who trained at London's prestigious Royal College of Art,
was
described as "incredible" and "super smart" by Caroline Rush, chief
executive
of the British Fashion Council.
"Christopher has played a significant role in the British fashion
industry,
putting innovation at the heart of Burberry and ensuring that it is an
exciting, relevant, forward-thinking global fashion brand," she said in a
statement to AFP.

But Bailey's appointment as chief executive at age 42 raised some
eyebrows
because of his lack of experience running a company of such stature.
He held on to the dual role for just three years, until Marco Gobbetti,
former chief executive of French luxury brand Celine, was brought in to take
over the business side.
Bailey will formally step down from his two roles on March 31 but will
work
with Burberry on the transition until the end of this year.
A replacement to fill the creative post held by Bailey, who previously
worked for Donna Karan and Gucci, is yet to be announced.
Rumours on the fashion circuit put British designer Phoebe Philo, who
recently left Celine, in pole position.

Young British talent

The broader London Fashion Week, organised by the British Fashion
Council,
will see some 80 shows across the city as designers parade their 2018/19
autumn-winter womenswear collections.
Saturday's Burberry show will undoubtedly be closely watched, while the
same day sees British heavyweight Jonathan Anderson showcase his latest
collection.
Also artistic director of luxury leather brand Loewe, the designer will
be
unveiling pieces from his own J. W. Anderson label.
He will also be reducing the number of shows from four to two, which J.
W.
Anderson said will help "reduce the traditional gap between the catwalk
shows
and the pieces being available for sale".

Such an approach is being followed in the wider fashion world, as
brands
adjust their business models to fit new consumer trends.
Other highlights of the London fashion bonanza include the Sunday show of
Delpozo, a Spanish brand which has transferred from New York Fashion Week
with
the promise of refined elegance.
Post-modern champion Christopher Kane is one of a number of young British
talents whose designs will hit the catwalk, as well as David Koma, known for
his geometric pieces, and provocateur Gareth Pugh. (AFP)